Each kidney is made of hundreds of thousands of small units called nephrons. These structures filter your blood, help remove waste from the body, and control fluid balance.

In people with diabetes, the nephrons slowly thicken and become scarred over time. The kidneys begin to leak and protein (albumin) passes into the urine. This damage can happen years before any symptoms begin.

Kidney damage is more likely if you:

Have uncontrolled blood sugar

Have high blood pressure

Have type 1 diabetes that began before you were 20 years old

Have family members who also have diabetes and kidney problems

Smoke

Are African American, Mexican American, or Native American

Symptoms:

Often, there are no symptoms as the kidney damage starts and slowly gets worse. Kidney damage can begin 5 to 10 years before symptoms start.

People who have more severe and long-term (chronic) kidney disease may have symptoms such as:

Checking your blood sugar level as often as instructed and keeping a record of your blood sugar numbers so that you know how meals and activities affect your level

OTHER WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR KIDNEYS

Before having an MRI, CT scan, or other imaging test in which you receive a contrast dye, tell the health care provider who is ordering the test that you have diabetes. Contrast dye can cause more damage to your kidneys.

Before taking an NSAID pain medicine, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, ask your health care provider if there is another kind of medicine that you can take instead. NSAIDs can damage the kidneys, especially when you use them often.

Know the signs of urinary tract infections and get them treated right away.

Support Groups:

Many resources can help you understand more about diabetes. You can also learn ways to manage your kidney disease.